David Letterman

Correspondent

About David Letterman

David Letterman has been hailed as one of the most innovative and influential broadcasters in the history of television. In 33 years on late-night television, Letterman hosted 6,028 episodes of Late Night (NBC) and The Late Show (CBS), surpassing his mentor, Johnny Carson, for the longest-running late-night broadcaster in American history.

As a writer, producer and performer, Letterman is one of the most-nominated individuals in Emmy Award history, with 52 nominations, resulting in 10 wins. Letterman is also a multiple-Peabody-Award winner and a Kennedy Center Honoree.

Born and raised in Indianapolis, Indiana, Letterman’s first network break came as a writer, in 1978 on the CBS variety series Mary, starring Mary Tyler Moore. In November of that year, he made the first of his 22 appearances on The TonightShow Starring Johnny Carson. He also guest-hosted Tonight numerous times.

In 1980, Letterman began hosting a morning comedy-variety program, The David Letterman Show, which ran for three months on NBC. His ground-breaking show Late Night with David Letterman premiered in February 1982. Throughout its 11 years, Late Night changed the complexion of late night television, earning five Emmys and 35 Emmy nominations.

On Aug. 30, 1993, the Late Show with David Letterman made its debut on CBS, establishing itself as the first successful comedy/variety show in late night, outside of NBC. In its 22 years at CBS, Late Show became known as one of the most inventive and imaginative comedy programs in television, and launched the careers of countless comedians and musical acts.

From his roots in comedy, Letterman also became renowned as an interviewer, sharing the stage with the U.S. Presidents, Cabinet officials, Medal of Honor recipients, and virtually every Presidential candidate for more than 20 years. Through his guest interviews, Letterman also brought to light important global issues such as world hunger and climate change.

Letterman announced his departure from Late Show in 2014, and aired his final episode on May 20th, 2015 to an audience of 13.76 million people.

Senator Al Franken tells David Letterman about who is behind a lot of the inaction in Washington on climate change. He calls them “Siegfried” and “Roy,” and they have Franken’s Republican colleagues running scared. Who are these guys?

In this behind-the-scenes clip, David Letterman meets filmmaker Iqbal Kidwai. Iqbal is Letterman’s guide to the rural areas of Uttar Pradesh, where some villages aren’t connected to the electrical grid.